As to St. John Rivers, he left England: he went to India. He

entered on the path he had marked for himself; he pursues it still.

A more resolute, indefatigable pioneer never wrought amidst rocks

and dangers. Firm, faithful, and devoted, full of energy, and zeal,

and truth, he labours for his race; he clears their painful way to

improvement; he hews down like a giant the prejudices of creed and

caste that encumber it. He may be stern; he may be exacting; he may

be ambitious yet; but his is the sternness of the warrior

Greatheart, who guards his pilgrim convoy from the onslaught of

Apollyon. His is the exaction of the apostle, who speaks but for

Christ, when he says--"Whosoever will come after me, let him deny

himself, and take up his cross and follow me." His is the ambition

of the high master-spirit, which aims to fill a place in the first

rank of those who are redeemed from the earth--who stand without

fault before the throne of God, who share the last mighty victories

of the Lamb, who are called, and chosen, and faithful.

St. John is unmarried: he never will marry now. Himself has

hitherto sufficed to the toil, and the toil draws near its close:

his glorious sun hastens to its setting. The last letter I received

from him drew from my eves human tears, and yet filled my heart with

divine joy: he anticipated his sure reward, his incorruptible

crown. I know that a stranger's hand will write to me next, to say

that the good and faithful servant has been called at length into

the joy of his Lord. And why weep for this? No fear of death will

darken St. John's last hour: his mind will be unclouded, his heart

will be undaunted, his hope will be sure, his faith steadfast. His

own words are a pledge of this "My Master," he says, "has forewarned me. Daily He announces more

distinctly,--'Surely I come quickly!' and hourly I more eagerly

respond,--'Amen; even so come, Lord Jesus!'"



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